Rounding out the devices AT&T has announced this morning is the Samsung Infuse 4G, which packs a huge 4.5" Super AMOLED plus display. We're not certain what plus adds to super beyond even better sharpness and outdoor visibility. It's possible that super AMOLED plus includes a different subpixel pattern with greater density than Pentile, however we're not entirely certain yet.

The device is 9mm thin, which AT&T claims is its thinnest smartphone - sure enough, the iPhone 4 is just 0.3 mm thicker. The 4.5 inch display is the largest we know of as well.

It appears that AT&T is taking a nod from T-Mobile and calling HSPA+ 21 Mbps devices "4G," something that while technically is kosher now by ITU standards, really isn't as exciting or fast as LTE. Details about the Infuse 4G are scant beyond it including an 8 megapixel rear facing camera and 1.3 megapixel front facing camera, and running Android 2.2 as well. The Infuse 4G also includes a Hummingbird SoC clocked 1.2 GHz.

I'm a fan of phones in the 4.3-4.5" size. Only one problem, total cost of ownership of these things because of the severely and unjustly overpriced networks is around 4 thousand dollars. I could build 3-4 very powerful desktop PC's for that. I could take a 7 day cruise around the Atlantic/Gulf for that much. I could experience zero G like an astronaut for that much. Hell, I could buy an 04' Impala with leather/heated seats for that much.Reply

Agreed. I can see LTE networks (peak 100Mbps, 10ms ping) eventually replacing cable/DSL at home, but not with $10/GB prices. My average home use is about 50GB/month, and there's no way I'm paying $500/month for internet access.Reply

Wireless networks are not designed to replace a home internet connection when you're pushing 50gb+. It still takes a LOT more power to move data wirelessly than it does through a wired connection. What we need is a lot more competition in the wired internet market, and the ability to purchase channels À la carte instead of bundles (for those that can't ditch TV services entirely).Reply

All valid points, OTOH the cost of something like this above the cost of the most basic featurephone is less than $1000 on a 2-year contract. No idea what the costs of the carriers actually are, but they charge plenty to have any phone.Reply

I have no idea where you pull the $4000 figure from, but I'm guessing I shouldn't say it.

Think about it this way $100/month x 24 = $2,400; however, the starting network fees are typically $70 (let's even assume for the moment that isn't enough to satisfy your talk time needs) if we consider the fact that the data plans usually add $25-$40 onto your cellphone bill we are talking about the cost of owning a smartphone being (you have to subtract the cellphone portion of you bill...talk+text, because it's equal in both cases and irrelevant for a cost-savings decision):

$199 + 25*24= $800or$199 + 40*= $1,400

Also, your powerful computers don't give you access to free internet (ok, not free, but it's part of this cost that you are balking at) and that internet is also MOBILE. Sprint operates a pretty fast and unlimited 4G data service so you could even deduct $ from your home broadband bill for those who are willing to "cut the cord". Reply